Calvin and the Atonement: What the Renowned Pastor and Teacher Said About the Cross of Christ

by Robert A. Peterson

John Calvin had a profound understanding of the atoning work of Christ. His writings are still one of the major sources scholars and others rely on to give insight into what was accomplished by Jesus on the cross. In this book Robert Peterson first examines what Calvin says regarding the love of God, the Incarnation, and Christ's offices of prophet, priest and king. He goes on to consider Calvin's comments on other aspects of Christ's he is the second Adam, the victor, the substitute, the sacrifice and the example.

Genres: Theology

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1983

Reviews

[Dylan Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this work. Peterson masterfully shows that Calvin had a well developed and complex theology of the atonement that encompasses His threefold office and themes including: His work as the Second Adam, Christus Victor, Our Penal Substitute, Our Sacrifice in our stead, Our merit, and our example.

In the conclusion he briefly touches on Calvin’s view of the extent of the atonement. I felt this was tacked on to the end as opposed to being more developed as it could have been. However this for does not diminish the overall quality of the work.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't intend to read two Calvin-based dissertations back-to-back, but that is what I did. This one is clear and concise. Put simply, what did Calvin have to say about Christ's atonement? Calvin discussed Christ as prophet, priest, and king. Calvin discussed Christ's work as second Adam, our merit, a sacrifice, our legal substitute, an example, and as victor. Devote a chapter to each, and voila, you've got a PhD in historical theology.

Okay, maybe it's not that easy, but it sure reads well. Best of all, you can use the work as an index of Calvin's discussion of these various loci of Christ's work, which I plan to do.